PREVALENCE AND KEY RISK FACTORS OF SPOUSAL VIOLENCE IN THE CANADIAN MUSLIM COMMUNITY

Abstract

Spousal violence is a major public health issue. Advocates believe that culturally sensitive preventive and therapeutic programs, aimed at specific demographic groups, is the most effective way of preventing violence against women. The study proposes strategies for mitigating spousal violence in the Canadian Muslim community by investigating the prevalence and key risk-factors through a partner-reported survey of 170 ever-married Canadian Muslim women. In the study, one in three women reported physical abuse and over half reported other forms of abuse. Parent-to-parent violence, childhood abuse, impulsivity, and mental illness (notably, depression) were found to be the key predictors of spousal violence. The findings will help target future efforts in the development of culturally sensitive assessment tools, preventive strategies and therapeutic programs for Muslim victims, exposed children, and perpetrators. The findings highlight the need for the Muslim community to improve the victim referral system, collaborate with mental health professionals and offer subsidized community and individual therapy/workshops, focus on community-based family nurturing programs, and organize large-scale social media campaigns that build awareness and influence cultural and behavioral change.